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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Umbrella slug

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Indian Ocean · Pacific Ocean · Caribbean Sea

Spotting an Umbrella slug on a dive sometimes requires a keen eye: its bumpy outline perfectly imitates neighbouring sponges. This large mollusc moves slowly over rocky seabeds, grazing on the sponges it depends on to live.

Habitat de Umbrella slug Habitat
Sand, Rocky habitat, Seagrass meadow
Profondeur de Umbrella slug Depth
5-50 m
Groupe biologique de Umbrella slug Group
Mollusc
Rôle écologique de Umbrella slug Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The Umbrella slug is a large, soft-bodied mollusc, recognised by its rounded shape suggesting an open umbrella. Its surface is thick and flexible, often marked by small irregular bumps. Its colour varies from beige to brown or orange, helping it blend into its surroundings. A thin internal shell lies beneath its mantle, invisible from outside. It can reach a substantial size, sometimes exceeding 20 centimetres.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

The Umbrella slug lives on seabeds, mainly rocky ones, from shallow areas down to several dozen metres. It is often associated with sponge-rich environments, on which it depends for food. It can also occur on mixed seabeds combining sand and rock.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It mainly feeds on sponges. It uses a rough tongue-like organ called a radula, allowing it to scrape and suck up the tissues of its attached prey.

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Other species — Mollusc

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Same habitat and depth

Sandy seabed species Rocky seabed species Seagrass meadow species

Same ecological role and depth

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